VIBE

This sleek hotel may feel zen in contrast to the city's busiest shopping/entertainment district right next door, but don't be fooled: there's plenty of moving and shaking to be had here. The property's hottest assets are also artful, from the Jean-Georges Vongerichten eats to the impressive modern art holdings in the My Humble House restaurant and gallery. Even taking a dip feels like a special occasion in the airy indoor swimming pool.

GO HERE WITH

Colleagues; shopping companions - for the nearby malls; family - for the quiet vibe; friends - for the trendy Quube lounge and nearby entertainment district

WHY WE LIKE IT

The art theme is very cool–besides art installations throughout the hotel, there are numerous guides to Taipei’s art museums in each guest room. Plus, the location is super convenient for everything from shopping to business to touristing. And did we mention that the service is outstanding too? From the adorable in-room Nespresso machine to seriously good eats on the room service menu (the king crab sandwich rocks) to welcoming complimentary children’s amenities (be sure to request these), we hearted this hotel big time.

AMENITY WE LOVE

It’s a tossup: the Le Méridien Signature Breakfast buffet or the cool shadow art writings (phrases written in script using wire whose shadow, when cast upon the blank white wall, reveal the writing--see photo) just outside the elevators on each guest floor.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

All the food options are fabulous (from the room service menu to the delicious My Humble House), but they do come at quite a price.

GOOD TO KNOW

My Humble House, the stylish Cantonese restaurant on the second floor, is VERY hard to book, so be sure to put in your reservations sooner rather than later. Quube on the fifth floor is also quite a hotspot, with a sleek indoor lounge area and very sexy outdoor space. The club lounge on the twelfth floor offers great city views, complimentary drinks and snacks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and business facilities like meeting spaces and computers. Access to this lounge is only available for Executive Deluxe and suite guests. Le Méridien Taipei is a member of the Starwood Hotels.